Student Testimonials
I am honored to be with you today for the recognition ceremony at one of the most successful English schools in the United States. Today, I will tell you three stories about my life. The first story is when I started at TIEP. I was in Level 120, and I was thinking about the highest level at TIEP which is Level 160. I asked myself, Star, when will you reach Level 160? It was as high as stars in the sky. The second story is when I celebrated at TIEP during the recognition ceremony in the summer of 2010. There was a speaker for the ceremony who was standing at this stage where I'm now. In fact, I don't remember his name or what he said. I couldn't understand the half of his speech. However, I do remember how fluent he was which is the dream for every English learner. The image of respect and reverence that he deserved made me think about if I would be in his position. Then I left the ceremony with two dreams which were to make it to Level 160, and to be the speaker for a ceremony at TIEP, standing in front of you one day at this stage and telling you my story. Beside these two stories, I have another story about a dream that I had from childhood through high school: wearing the white coat of a doctor and attending medical school was my dream when I was little. But this dream disappeared when my dad didn't allow me to move to another city to attend medical school. After that, this dream reappeared when I received the scholarship to study English and move to the U.S. >more--Najmah Al Ramel from Saudi Arabia |
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First of all, it is a great honor for me to give the valedictory speech representing TIEP students. Thank you for giving me this great opportunity to let me share my precious study experience at TIEP. When I first came to TIEP, it was a cold and windy day. At first, everything was unusual and challenging to me. Every time I spoke with my classmates who came from different countries, I was so nervous and anxious that I could hardly speak. Sometimes I would stammer when I had to speak in front of people. After seven months of studying at TIEP, when I look back at myself in the mirror, I find that my English skills have dramatically improved. I know most of you feel it is difficult when you speak with native speakers. In my opinion, there are several reasons. Most of all I think the biggest reason is a lack of confidence. This lack of confidence stems not only from imperfect English skills but also insufficient practice. At TIEP, thanks to great teachers I was able to fix my problems. For example, thanks to my reading and writing teachers I have learned how to write academic papers. Also, my speaking and listening teachers taught me how to speak coherently and fluently in front of audiences. >more--Hwan Choi from Korea |
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Here at TIEP, all of us are international students, and that mix of culture creates a fascinating environment to learn a language. All of us have shown tremendous courage by coming here. We left our homes, our friends, and our country to come to America with the goal of mastering the English language, something that is not an easy task. We are very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. Many people around the world are envious of what we are doing here, and we should be proud of ourselves that we are among the ones doing it. At the conclusion of this course, I was able to gain acceptance to the University of Colorado at Boulder. I am here to tell you that if I can get accepted to a good institution like this then you can. To help you accomplish this, I want to share with you the experiences that helped me achieve this and some of the things I have learned along the way. >more--Abdullah Alsaihati from Saudi Arabia |
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I feel I am lucky that I can study English at TIEP for one semester. In 16 short weeks, I changed my feeling from original strangeness to current enjoyment. TIEP has perfect teaching system, excellent teacher resources and adorable students from different countries. I have been in America almost four months. Compared with before, I became more confident and happier. I am no longer worried about speaking English, because all teachers at TIEP listen to me with patience. Whenever I have questions, they all try their best to help me solve these troublesome questions. After class, teachers are just like my friends. We may speak freely and say what we like. After graduating from high school, I chose to study in America. Due to my limited English, I was convinced that I had to study in an English Program firstly. Originally, I hope that TIEP can help me know more about American life and improve my English speaking quickly. When my first semester comes to an end, I want to say that I have made a right decision to study at TIEP. It helps me realize my dream of going to an American college with the shortest time. During my study at TIEP, I have mastered a lot about academic skills. For example, I have learned how to write research papers, reference papers, and so on. In reading class, I was exposed to authentic academic materials. During listening and speaking class, my teacher always gives us splendid lectures and organizes group discussion with meaningful topics. My favorite is Grammar class, because I think English Grammar, like a very useful key, can help me open a real English environment. Now, I would like to talk with my friends in English, and I am also fully prepared to go to university. Thanks to my teachers! If you are an international student who wants to study in an American university, I suggest you to come to study at TIEP. You can lay a solid foundation in English and make a lot of friends from different parts of the world. Meanwhile, the University of Texas at Austin is close to TIEP, so full-bodied academic atmosphere will make you relaxed. I am glad that I can study at TIEP during the initial period of time in America. This study experience made me have deep understanding of American life. I hope that TIEP can help more and more aspiring students make their American university dream come true.
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Among the many things that I learned at TIEP this year, I learned how to communicate in an academic context. A year ago, I didn't know how to write an essay in English. Over the past 12 months, I have written many essays, and now I am prepared to write more essays in the university. Over the past three semesters at TIEP I also learned how to communicate orally, giving speeches in class every two weeks and becoming more confident and more prepared for the university. During the year at TIEP, I have had classmates from many countries of the world. I learned about their customs, religions, and other aspects of their cultures. I even tried their food - from Brazil, Taiwan, Korea and other countries. During this year at TIEP, I have gotten to know many teachers and staff members. I want to thank all of them for making this such a positive and productive academic and cultural experience for me. Thanks to my year of studies at TIEP and the help of its instructors and staff members, I'm moving across the United States from Austin, Texas to Corvallis, Oregon where I will begin my undergraduate degree at Oregon State University next semester.
As I continue in my academic career, I thank TIEP faculty and staff for all of their support this past year, and I wish them the best, as they continue they careers working with international students from all around the world.
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Why Austin and TIEP? I attended TIEP for 3 semesters during my first time living away from my parents. It was one of my most tremendous and memorable life experiences. TIEP provided me with a high standard of education, which has prepared me for further education in the States. I have obtained a bachelor's and a graduate school degree in the States; and, I am currently employed as an engineer in Los Angeles, CA. TIEP is situated in Austin which is rated as one of the safest places to live. TIEP is just located a couple blocks away from the main campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Not only could you utilize the resources that TIEP provides, but also you could access some facilities and some free activities that are offered to the public by the City of Austin and the University of Texas.
Looking back at my 10 years of living experience in the States, I strongly appreciate what TIEP has provided to me and given me the practical experiences that have helped me achieve my American Dreams. If I could make it, I'm sure all of you could make it as well!!
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I have been in TIEP for two semesters and the experience has become one of the most important in my life. TIEP is undoubtedly, the best beginning to improve your knowledge not only in English but also in a cultural way. The extraordinary kindness of their staff and faculty transform the building into a place where feeling as a part of a family is their target, and they do it easily for each of us. As international students we do not only face a different country and language; we also live by ourselves, we have been through many personal changes and learned many new things, we have all matured in so many ways. Due to the exceptional qualities of the faculty, by their side we find it easier to walk through this path. They show us that challenges can be faced. We are initiating a new stage in our lives, and we should do it with hope and courage. Of course, what would it be for us without friends? Instead of saying how wonderful the multiculturalism that we could find at TIEP is, I just want everyone to think about the person you trust the most in this school. I just want to prove that we didn’t see differences between nationalities. We see friends, and my hope is that you will be able to make lifelong companions as I hope I did here. Now I know I’m a better person because of you, because the experience I got when I met you, but mainly because now you are part of my life. Thank you very much for these great memories and for teaching me that in spite of the troubles, I can find people like you with whom I can sing, Don’t worry, Be happy.
From the heart Thank you TIEP for teaching me that the knowledge is also beyond the school.
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Second of all, TIEP is located within walking distance of the University of Texas and its facilities, student dormitories and public transportation, which made things easier to me to enjoy life in Austin. Finally, I feel glad to have met there such nice people from different countries and made a lot of friends.
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--Makiko Ishikawa from Japan |
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I had the intention of attending The University of Texas at Austin when I first arrived, but I wasn't confident in my writing or speaking abilities in English. It's been 2 years since TIEP and I couldn't be better. I got accepted into the University and I am now majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I also have a job at the University's gym, I'm a volunteer at a local hospital and I am a member of the Silver Spurs, a spirit organization that takes care of the University's mascot Bevo. Definitely the people you meet at TIEP are the ones that make this whole experience great. I am from Mexico and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of meeting people from all over the world. I met people from Korea, Japan, Morocco, Taiwan, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Brazil, Colombia, etc. Looking back and thinking of all the good times I had at TIEP gives me goose bumps. I will always have those memories in my heart. My father came to TIEP to learn English. He now has a masters and a Ph.D. from an American university. I studied English at TIEP, and I am now studying in a great university here in the USA. There is no doubt in my mind when I say that TIEP is the BEST English program there is in the world. Here you will learn so much and make long lasting friendships. At this moment I think I'm the happiest guy alive, and I owe it in part to TIEP and their wonderful staff. --Fernando Cordova from Mexico
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I have enjoyed getting to make new friends from around the world and learning more about other cultures. Do not hesitate to come to TIEP. It is educational and fun.
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I was lucky that I chose TIEP. It was really joyful days for me to study English for about four months. You taught us living English not only energetically but also interestingly. I was able to know pleasure to communicate in English. Thank you very much. I wish I could have studied at TIEP much longer. I believe that what I learned and experienced while I was in Austin will be energy in my future life.
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I went to the United States with the intention of making a desperate effort to learn English. Next I got a good education at TIEP. It has many good teachers and a good educational teaching style. Their teaching style is different from Japanese style. At first I was confused, and I couldn't understand. But they taught me very carefully. I liked their classes and their teaching style. Finally, I could make many new friends. They are of many nationalities. We talked about our own countries, so I learned about the culture of many countries.
In conclusion, for four months I made an effort to learn English. I think it was a great experience for me to see American culture and find the importance of communication in English. My English isn't perfect yet, but I have learned to enjoy studying English and plan to continue learning more so I can use it in my job. Now I would like to thank my teachers and my friends. I am most grateful to you!
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Everyone who travels to the U.S. for studying English has many wishes such as choosing a nice city, studying in the best school, learning more about American culture, having a pleasurable time with studying, making friends from around the world, and studying in a comfortable place where the teachers know about other culture - all at the same time. All these desires are found in TIEP. Being a Saudi woman, I needed a school which was acquainted with my culture and where I felt comfortable. That is what I found in TIEP. Moreover, TIEP helped me succeed and reach my goals, because it has University Express, the best program. I am grateful to all the people in TIEP for everything, and I am so delighted to have studied in this school. If I never studied in TIEP, I would have lost a lot.
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T.I.E.P. means This Is an Excellent Program.
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The semester is about to finish in a few days. I am really glad that I made the decision to come here and study. I have learned so much and have had a great time with everybody.
As an English teacher, I had never lived in any English speaking countries before. Living here gives me a brand new perspective of America and American culture, and I can't tell you how much I'll benefit from it. I think the experience not only has broadened my vision, but also enriched my life. Actually, besides language, I did pick up a bunch of teaching skills from my class. Now I can't wait to tell my friends how worthwhile it has been to study at TIEP.
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I'm from Honduras in Central America. I was a student at the Texas Intensive English Program in the business program. This was a great opportunity for me to meet people in the business field from around the world and Austin. I learned cultural aspects of doing business around the world as well as in the United States. In Austin I could meet friendly native American speakers of English. Austin is a safe city that you can walk around at most hours. The landscape of Austin is very green and the parks are found everywhere. I am hoping to come back to Austin to continue my studies.
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Learning a new language in a foreign country is a wonderful experience, especially if you choose a cool city like Austin to live in. Choosing a good school to fulfill your necessities is also very important.
Studying at TIEP is very interesting for several reasons. First, it is located in central Austin, so you get public transportation easily. The teachers are well prepared; they have a lot of experience, and they are always ready to deal with different kinds of students. In addition, you may meet nice people who come from different countries, and make good friends. Finally, TIEP offers both a computer lab and a skills center where the students can spend the afternoon either studying or using the Internet. I recommend you come to Austin to enjoy this outstanding city, and if you want to study English, I suggest TIEP to you because it is really a very good school.
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In class I had an opportunity to make friends from foreign countries. Before I met them, I didn't know about their countries and their culture. It is most important learning about various cultures, especially American culture.
Many Koreans study English for a long time in their school day. But most of them are very afraid of speaking with Americans. They are afraid of making a mistake. But at TIEP I could get self confidence. Of course, I still make mistakes, but I'm not afraid anymore. I learned "Don't be shy." I'm not native, but I can speak English to make myself understood.
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I am a Japanese girl who took your business class for two semesters from January to August. Let me tell you my latest situation. Fortunately, I got a job. My dream's come true. Now I'm working for an American company in Japan as an administrative assistant. I have much chance to speak and use English which I learned at TIEP. I am really happy with my job. It's so challenging and wonderful. I think my experience at TIEP was really good. I appreciate my teachers and classmates. Thank you so much!
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Unfortunately my English class is finished and I feel sad because I'll miss many things like new friends, teachers, and school. But I'm so happy because I learned many things: grammar,vocabulary, idioms, etc. I like this city and the people who live here. All these moments I'll never forget!
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I am writing at the end of my third semester at TIEP. My first semester started almost a year ago. During these 12 months, I learned a lot in Levels 130, 150, and 160, over a total of 620 hours! That's intensive English!!
A decade ago, my parents had probably thought through what you or your parents are considering - learn better English. By placing myself in a foreign location, I needed a suitable institution where I could learn better English. This was a key factor to speaking better English and avoiding or lessening the effects of culture shocks.
Austin offers the opportunity to feel a good international atmosphere. People here are so affable and kind. They say Hi with a smile when you walk on the streets, and believe me when you are a foreign student, that expression comforts your soul and it relieves the loneliness that you might feel when you miss home.
I think the best decision for learning English is taking classes in TIEP. The teachers are wonderful, kind, and helpful. Before my English class I couldn't understand English very well. Now I'm improving my English every day. I can go out without fear. Understanding is the most important thing. With that I can use everything I have learned in my classes. I hope to learn more and more English because I need it for everything I want to do. TIEP is the best choice!
I'm so glad that I made the right decision choosing TIEP. First of all, I found there enthusiastic and excellent teachers, who have a lot of experience. In addition to their support in class, I could learn a lot by frequenting the skills center and the computer lab, and also by joining a conversation club group. And my TOEFL score. Wow, I couldn't believe it. After one semester in level 138 and half a semester in 158, my TOEFL score was 633! I'm positive that TIEP is one of the BEST schools for ESL in America!
I have had a lot of new experiences in Austin. First of all, this is my first time to live with an American family and speak English all the time. Before I came to TIEP, I hadn't studied at an English school. Second, I experienced holidays of the United States, for example, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Third, I attended the South by Southwest Music and Film Festival in Austin. In my memory Austin is a wonderful place. I am glad to come here and happy to meet all of my friends in TIEP.
First of all, I congratulate all the staff because they did a very good job. The first day I was confused, and I didn't understand anything. You helped me to figure out many things. I know now that my English is good, and I improved it a lot. I advise all other students who want to improve their English to come to TIEP because it is very exciting. It's very interesting because you find many nationalities and can add to your general culture. Austin is a very nice place to live, and I plan to come back to Austin one day.
The most important thing I think I learned in TIEP was to have confidence in my English speaking abilities. Before coming to Austin, I had not practiced my English in years, so I was worried that people would not understand me or just ignore me. After being a couple of weeks in TIEP, I started to gain trust in myself again and could have long conversations with English speakers very easily. I also learned some important writing and research techniques that have helped me in my transition from ESL to an American university.
One of the most important things I learned at TIEP is that with hard work comes appreciation of the things you earn. The time I spent at TIEP has made me a better organized person both professionally and personally.
To visit America, especially Texas, had been my big dream sincemy childhood and I had heard that Austin is one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities in the United States. Seeing is believing. Austin is so nice that I really wanted to live there.
When I arrived in Austin, and specifically at TIEP, I felt comfortable because of the kindness of people. All of them are friendly and wonderful. I could feel it. The teachers at TIEP, all of them, are excellent. One of the most important things I have learned at TIEP is to speak without being afraid. I have also learned to be consistent in my studies and to ask a lot of questions. In addition, I have learned a lot more vocabulary and how to improve my writing. Now I know more about American culture and how to make friends with different kinds of people from different cultures.
I studied English at the Texas Intensive English Program for four months. First, when I decided to study abroad, in all honesty, I was very afraid and nervous because I hadn't studied English since high school, and I didn't like it then. Also I had never been overseas for a long stay. But I needed English in my job, and I thought it was a very important thing for my future. Also, I wanted to change my mind about English and broaden my horizons.
